I love Bakerzin!  

We had our usual Friday dinner at Bakerzin in Paragon. I had Aglio Olio while Alvin had the Pasta Arrabiata; for dessert we had Walnut Cheesecake and Strawberry Shortcake! Alvin did not like his pasta, so we ended up switching foods since I like a red sauce pasta for that evening…

I love their cakes, so delicious… and not too sweet! If only I could make something so good like this, it would be a successful home business for me. How I wish I could!

Note: Strawberry Shotcake is a must try!

Every night, Alvin and I watch one session of the Laugh and Learn About Childbirth DVD class. This is quite helpful especially for first time couples… as a matter of fact, this was recommended by an online friend, Cess, who just gave birth to her first born a couple of days ago via normal delivery. According to her, proper breathing technique is really essential… so now, I am practicing my breathing. Alvin and I laugh at each other during the breathing exercise. But now… I am starting to get used to it. I just need to practice.

But this morning, I got worried when I accidentally watched some clips of Karen Davila’s The Correspondents. I really didn’t have the courage to watch the whole episode since the topic was all about the health system in our country… which led to maternal death and some other complications during pregnancy! After that, it was Ted Failon’s show… featuring another maternal death due to medical negligence! Again, I did not watch the full clip. At my condition, who would want that? Scary, huh!

Did I say before that I was afraid of medical procedures, even just staying in the hospital? In fairness, I was able to conquer my fears when Alvin had to undergo several operations in the past. I stayed with him throughout his whole hospital ordeal even during his post-operation check ups. But now, its my turn… I just hope that I will not end up having a Caesarian Operation. On second thought, I don’t mind having a CS procedure as long as my little boy is fine and safe. Gosh, I admire those people who undergo weight loss surgery or any medical procedure for the sake of beauty. I still prefer non-invasive procedures for body and face problems.

Dear God, please help me and my little boy.

I was checking www.antiagingproduct.org and at the same time looking for other ante-natal class when I saw that Gleneagles Hospital is having a Mothers Get Together on the 6th of March. Since they are also discussing topics such as Common Newborn and Infant Conditions, Storing Baby’s Cord Blood, Labour of Love - Journey of Birth, Pain Relief Options, Baby & You - Post-Natal Care and Breastfeeding, we decided to register and join the interactive session. It has a fee of $8/couple but it includes light refreshments and some other goodies.

Though the topics were not discussed in detail, it familiarized me with the hospital protocols / procedure when in labor since the speakers are from the hospital’s nursing department. It also included a hospital tour… as usual, it made me feel nervous seeing the delivery suite for the second time! Gosh, a few more weeks to go and I’ll be lying on that bed in deep pain! But the thought of seeing my little boy takes away all the fears that I have… Push! Push! Push!

This was my first time to cook Pork Tonkatsu… and it was so easy!

I prefer easy to prepare meals since I easily get tired and it’s too hot in the kitchen… Fried food is unhealthy but I am balancing our meal by including a vegetable dish and fresh fruits. Thank God, Alvin is starting to appreciate fresh fruits. In fact, he is the one who always buys fresh fruits before going home. So fat burners are not an option yet… I hope so.

Here’s the recipe of my pork tonkatsu:

• pork cutlets; lean meat
• flour
• beaten egg
• Panko bread crumbs

1. Rub the pork cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. Drench in flour, dip in beaten egg and then in bread crumbs.
3. Deep fry till golden and tender, drain in paper towels.
4. Serve with tonkatsu sauce.

Two months to go but until now, we are still undecided regarding cord blood banking. I checked web directories in search of other materials related to cord blood banking since we are really interested with this one after reading the Reader’s Digest issue regarding stem cell transplant.Here in Singapore, they have two options: private and public cord blood banking. With private cord blood banks, cord blood units are stored for the use of the child or any family member for future needs. There is cost attached for collection and processing, as well as an annual fee for storage. Whereas for the public cord blood bank, the cord blood is donated and is made available to patients in need of stem cell transplant. I read one article before that once you donate, your child can avail free cord blood if ever he needs one in the future. But still, I have to clarify this one… But I also read that chances of finding a potential stem cell match are slim.

Of course, private cord blood banking is still the best option but it’s very costly… considering that we are also spending for the little boy’s delivery. Hay… anyways, If we cannot afford storing it privately, I might as well donate it to help other people…

Is it for real?

From what I’ve read, many expectant mothers experience the urge to ready their ‘nests’ prior to childbirth similar with animal creatures. I haven’t felt the urge yet… or am I just naturally born tamad?

Actually, we do have plans of cleaning the two rooms and the bomb shelter / storage room in the next few weeks. Would you believe that up to now, the cargo box that I will be sending to Manila is not yet packed… well, it’s just some old clothes, luggage sets and some new things for our home.I still have two months to go and knowing myself… I will do everything a week before my EDD. I think i’ll just need to set up his crib since I already advised our cleaner to eliminate dusts in our room especially those under the bed. The curtain is my only problem… I haven’t contacted any curtain cleaner yet!

BTW, should I start packing our hospital bags? Afraid to give birth before full term!

I was halfway finished with my What to Expect When You’re Expecting when I received a notification email from babycenter.com that I’m on my 31st week already! The big day is fast approaching so I must finish my book now. Alvin, on the other hand is not even reading anything about labor and delivery nor child care! Since Alvin will be with me during my labor, I want him to be my coach. But how??? He told me that it’s better if we attend an ante-natal class instead of reading. He has a point but I am still considering the cost… The cheapest would be in Gleneagles Hospital but I barely have two months to go and when I inquired about the schedule, it is held every Tuesday and Wednesday. And since my EDD is on the first week of May, I should take the March schedule but the first session has already started. I also inquired about some ante-natal classes here in SG but prices are almost doubled. Those who are engaged in health care careers here in SG earn big time!

Now, I have to look for a class that both Alvin and I can attend… Is it worth it? Would it really help? Well, I just want to be informed so that I will be prepared for the little boy’s arrival.

I woke up 5:30 AM to catch the 6:15 AM mass in our neighborhood church… but still, we were late! The homily was almost halfway finished when we arrived. Anyways, I just want to thank God for all the wonderful blessings that He has been giving us… the gift of life, love, family, happiness, laughter, peace, good health and even material things.

After the mass, we slept (again)… had breakfast and then late lunch at home. We just spent the whole day watching movies at home and had a quick nap. For dinner, we dined at Oscar’s in Carlton Centennial Singapore. It was a dinner buffet and as usual, I was so full!

Oscar’s is an international buffet but I still prefer Aquamarine at Marina Mandarin. Aquamarine has more food choices considering that Oscar’s is more expensive. Here’s what I ate that day:

On the next day, 27th of February, I had my check up… this time I gained weight but not that much. Maybe because I’m now eating healthy meals everyday unlike before when we were in Manila, we always ate at fast foods! Now, I know that I won’t be needing anymore weight loss products after I give birth, just a healthy diet will do…

My doctor showed us the 3D image of my little boy… but no copy for us. I think that’s not included in the package but still, I was so happy to see him. From his profile, we think he looks like me when I was a baby… I really hope so! Now, I am even more excited to see the little mama’s boy!

We finally bought the Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard with Newborn Napper for the little boy. We decided to buy this instead of a traditional wooden cot as advised by some mommy friends. According to them, it is more useful that the wooden cot especially when the baby starts to crawl since they tend to bump their heads on the sides of the cot. What we like about this Graco is that the it can easily be converted to a portable playard and it comes with a removable napper and bassinet. 

Just the other day, my mom told me not to buy a crib before my little boy is born. According to her, someone told her that if a mother buys a crib/cot before the baby is born, she will have a hard time delivering the baby! I’ve never heard or read about this old wives tale before… Well, I’m just praying that I’ll have a smooth and safe delivery. By the way, Alvin also disagrees with this idea since we’ve been looking for this playard months ago. In fact, we’ve been checking the store every now and then and according to the store staff, the boy color just arrived the other day. So it’s better to buy now…

Now, I am looking for an additional foam mattress and fitted sheet so that the little boy will be more comfortable. That’s my dilemma now, I don’t know where to buy… Alvin already bought a Graco quilted sheet and an additional 100% cotton fitted sheet in Aussino but still, I want an additional mattress. Call me arte but that’s how I want it! I need to find the list of online stores that I have visited before… as far as I remember, I’ve seen one before. It’s a small shop where I was able to buy exit signs / signage that I sent to my mom before. Anyways, I also checked Mothercare but they are only selling mattresses and sheets fitted for their cots. Hay…

At least the little boy’s things are almost complete… and now, it’s time to SAVE!

We had to remit money in Lucky Plaza since the internet banking of Citibank was down… and while waiting for our turn, this flier was given to us:

Hmmm… seems good but still, we prefer Skype and YM since it’s FREE! Hehe! Maybe we’ll consider this when I, together with the little boy, will take a long vacation in Manila. But for now, no plans yet… we cannot leave Dadh behind.

This just caught my attention since the queue was too long during that day. Hello! It was Sunday, what to do we expect?! Alvin, on the other hand, noticed the Epson receipt printer. He told me that he doesn’t know that until now, it still exists since they had been using that printer for a very long time. Well, aside from that, you cannot help but eavesdrop about different Pinoy real life stories.

Anyways, any feedback for iTalkBB? Is it for real?